Creamline sweeps Petro Gazz in semis opener

Games Sunday:

(Araneta Coliseum)

2:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Cignal

5:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Petro Gazz

Creamline scored its first straight sets win of the tournament at the expense of Petro Gazz, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23, to open its Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference round robin semifinals campaign in dominating fashion on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Playmaker Jia Morado-de Guzman effectively utilized the Cool Smashers' deep arsenal to frustrate their elimination round victims, who squandered a golden opportunity in the third set to extend the match.

Turkish import Yeliz Basa led three other Creamline players in double figures 17 points with all but one coming off attacks. Basa also played and started in all sets after getting controlled minutes in the Cool Smashers' last couple of games in the eliminations.

Creamline dug its way out of a 14-18 hole in the third set with four unanswered points before taking a 21-20 lead following an attack error by Angels opposite Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

The two squads then engaged in a tug-of-war with Petro Gazz American import Lindsey Vander Weide putting the Angels on top, 23-22, only for MJ Phillips to commit a net touch error in the next play that tied the set at 23.

Creamline middle Celine Domingo, who scored 10 points, answered with back-to-back hits including the game-clinching quick attack that Vander Weide failed to control.

"Of course, we're happy we won. It doesn't matter how many sets. But with this three-set win I guess the team has improved based on our performance in the eliminations. That's what we're really looking for," Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses said.

The mentor also pointed out the importance of closing the match in three sets.

Jema Galanza scored 14 points off 12 kills and two aces while adding eight digs while skipper Alyssa Valdez posted 11 points and 15 excellent receptions for Creamline.

De Guzman tallied 19 excellent sets that helped the Cool Smashers hammer down 53 attack points.

Creamline will face Cignal on Sunday while Petro Gazz will battle Chery Tiggo.

The Cool Smashers shattered a 15-15 tie in the opening set with six straight points to take control of the frame. Creamline then raced to an 8-2 lead to open the second set.

Vander Weide registered 16 points with 13 coming off spikes to lead the Angels. Phillips and Pontillas had 11 and 10 markers, respectively, for Petro Gazz.